Low-Ogestrel

Low-Ogestrel is a prescription combined oral contraceptive. It contains two different types of hormones (progestin and estrogen) that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and altering the endometrium and cervical mucus. Low-Ogestrel must be taken once daily, at the same time each day. Side effects that may occur with this form of birth control include headache, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, and nausea.

 

What Is Low-Ogestrel?

Low-Ogestrel® (norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive, also known as a birth control pill, or simply "the pill." It is a generic version of Lo/Ovral®.
 
(Click What Is Low-Ogestrel Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Low-Ogestrel?

Low-Ogestrel is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (see Generic Lo/Ovral for more information).
 

How Does It Work?

Low-Ogestrel is categorized as a combined oral contraceptive, the most common type of birth control pill. Combined oral contraceptives contain a combination of two different types of hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. The hormones in Low-Ogestrel prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries).
 
Low-Ogestrel also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. It alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo. It also changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
 
(Low-Ogestrel Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;